The PCS-Season Planning Timeline:
First, back-plan from your “keys by” date. Pick your “keys by” target, then work backward. Start with the moment you want to be moved in. Then, reverse engineer your timeline. For example, if you want the keys by early June, then aim to be under contract by mid-end of April. Begin serious touring and ready-to-move offers by March. This means, in February, you’ll start your prep stage (pre-approval, budget, must-haves, neighborhoods).

Why so early? That’s because even when everything goes smoothly, the path from offer to closing still includes multiple moving parts. Inspection negotiations, appraisal timing, and lender underwriting can all add time. One delay can push you into the busiest weeks of PCS season. If you want to close by summer, start seriously looking in March, not May. Then, make sure you have a solid team in place to get through this process!

If you can do one thing that lowers stress, it is this: choose people who understand military timelines. Find a realtor familiar with military families and VA transactions. A VA-friendly realtor helps you move quickly without skipping steps. They are used to coordinating video tours, remote paperwork, tight deadlines, and the reality that life can change quickly with orders.

Questions to Ask Your Realtor:
1. How many VA closings have you handled recently?
2. What appraisal-related issues come up most for VA buyers in this area?
3. How do you structure inspection deadlines and repair negotiations when the market is moving fast?
4. If we are buying from out of state, what is your plan for walkthroughs and quick decisions?

VA Loan Factors First-Time Buyers Should Know:
These are the things most military families ask early, and they can impact your timeline. Look into VA occupancy and options for being able to rent the home later. VA home loans are designed for primary residences, not investment properties. The big idea is good-faith intent to occupy the home as your main place to live.

A lot of people ask, “How long do I have to wait before I can rent it out?” There is not always one universal “wait this many months” rule. What matters most is that you planned to live there first. If PCS orders or life changes happen later, renting may be possible, but it is smart to talk to your lender early, because lenders can have extra rules on top of VA guidelines. Just remember, buy it to live in it first. If PCS orders change the plan later, confirm options with your lender early.

With a VA loan, you will have a VA appraisal. An appraisal is not the same thing as a home inspection. The appraisal supports the home’s value and checks for baseline safety and livability standards. If something comes up that does not meet those standards, it can turn into a required repair before closing. A home inspection is your deeper look at the home’s condition and systems. Even though it is not always required, it is one of the best ways to protect yourself as a first-time buyer because it helps you understand what you are walking into and what you might need to budget for. The VA appraisal helps you qualify and close. The inspection helps you buy smarter and negotiate with confidence.

More Questions to Ask Your Realtor:
1. If we need keys by ___, when should we start touring and offering?
2. What is normal here in spring…for example, days on market, multiple offers, and offer deadlines?
3. What contingencies are still realistic right now?
4. What issues are common here: drainage, flooding, termites, foundation movement?
5. What is the typical age range for roofs and HVAC in this neighborhood?
6. If we PCS in 2 to 3 years, does this area rent well?
7. What VA appraisal conditions show up most often in this market?
8. If repairs are needed, how do you usually negotiate: repairs, credits, or price adjustments?

Home Inspection Questions That Actually Help:
1. What are the top 3 safety concerns, if any?
2. What will likely cost us money in the first year?
3. What maintenance should we put on a calendar?
4. Where are the shutoffs and how do I use them?
5. Is there evidence of past leaks or moisture problems?

Treat the inspection like a lesson, not a pass/fail report. If the report flags expensive items (roof near end of life, aging HVAC), do not panic. The inspection is information. It helps you decide what you can handle, what you want to negotiate, and what you should plan for right away.

Finally, you’ve reached the home stretch. Insurance is one of the easiest places to accidentally under-prepare, especially during a PCS rush. Do this early. Confirm you understand deductibles (wind, hail, named storm, etc.) Ask what is covered and what might require separate coverage. Store policy docs and a home inventory in shared cloud storage that both spouses can access. For paper versions, store those in a fireproof/waterproof container. Your emergency fund is part of being “insurance-smart,” because not every home issue turns into an insurance claim.

Buying during PCS season does not have to feel like guesswork. Starting early, working with a realtor who understands military life, and knowing how VA loans and inspections work can help you make more confident decisions. The goal is not to do everything perfectly. It is to stay prepared enough that you can move forward with less stress and more clarity. After all the back-planning, paperwork, and decision-making, getting those keys is a big deal. Take a moment to celebrate how far you have come.

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There are always two sides to winter, the cold side and the cozy side. One minute I’m bundling up, heading outside into the cold, about to hit the slopes and see wide open views. The next, I’m back inside, wrapped in a blanket, warming my hands around a mug and planning what snacks I’m making later while watching the Winter Sports Games. It’s the season of finding a balance and lately, I have had some help leaning into that with Gold Medal Deals.

As someone who loves being prepared (especially when the weather turns unpredictable), stocking up on everyday favorites just makes life easier. Whether it is quick pantry staples for busy days, Kleenex Tissues for cold chilly days, to comfort foods for slow nights in, or grab-and-go snacks for early mornings, these deals make it simple to keep everything on hand without overspending. It feels like setting yourself up for small wins all winter long.

What I love most is how these savings fit into my real life. Mornings start with STOK Cold Brew and International Delight Cold Foam Creamer, something easy and energizing before heading out the door. Afternoons turn into quick snack breaks or simple lunches of tuna fish and chips thanks to Starkist Tuna and a few OREOS thrown in on the side or Del Monte Sliced Peaches that don’t require a ton of effort. Evenings are all about winding down, watching the Winter Sports Games live, and creating a cozy warm meal of homemade chili with Velveeta Cheese, Bush’s Original, Simply Organic Smoked Papirika, Heinz Ketchup and a few of those little pantry essentials you normally do not think about until you really need them. It is not fancy recipes or complicated routines. It’s about making everyday moments feel just a little more effortless.

And the timing couldn’t be better. Gold Medal Deals are available now through March 22nd, which means you can refresh your pantry and home for the rest of winter and into early spring. It’s the perfect window to stock up, save money, and feel good about what you’re bringing into your routine.

There’s also a fun bonus: while you’re shopping, you can enter the Gold Medal Deals Sweepstakes at MMSSweepstakes.com for a chance to win. Five lucky winners will each receive a $100 Commissary gift card….which honestly is the ultimate pantry restock prize.

Even better, this program proudly supports Fisher House Foundation, helping provide comfort homes for military and veteran families while their loved ones receive medical care. Knowing that your everyday shopping can also help support families during some of their hardest moments makes these deals feel even more meaningful.

This winter brave the cold, stay cozy indoors, or something somewhere in between, Gold Medal Deals are a simple way to save, prepare, and make winter a little easier.

I spent under $30 grabbing a few things to romanticize the moment in a way that felt cozy and personal. Nothing over the top, just small touches that made the night feel intentional. I picked up three face mask options, a sleep eye cover, socks, and a candle. Once I got home, I also used what I already had, like my red coupe glass and some sparkling cider (or whatever floats your boat).

I made it cute by decorating my table the way I like it. Not “perfect,” not staged for anyone else, just pretty enough to make me pause and enjoy being in my own space. I lit the candle, poured my drink into the coupe glass because that instantly elevates the experience, and sat down with a book. No background noise, no constant scrolling, just silence. That quiet part was the whole reset.

After I had my calm moment, I picked a face mask and let that be the transition into full cozy mode. I love having multiple options because sometimes your skin wants hydration, sometimes it wants glow, and sometimes you just want to feel like you did something nice for yourself. I didn’t overthink it. I chose one, got comfortable, and let it do what it came to do.

For dinner, I made myself a bowl of pasta. Comfort food is self-care in my book, and I wasn’t interested in turning the night into a complicated cooking project. It was warm, simple, filling, and exactly what I wanted. To close the night out the right way, I got on the couch and binge watched Bridgerton. Blanket on, candle still burning, snack energy if you want it, and zero guilt. It was soft, cozy, and honestly the perfect end to a day that can sometimes feel heavy if you’re alone or missing your person.

Here’s what I want you to take from this…you don’t need a big budget to make Valentine’s Day feel special. You can do it with small details. A candle, a face mask, a cute glass, a quiet moment, a comfort meal, and a show you love will do. The goal isn’t to impress anyone; the goal is to create a moment that feels good to you.

If your spouse is away right now, you’re allowed to hold it down and still give yourself softness. If you’re single, you’re allowed to romance your own life without needing a reason. Either way, you deserve a night that feels warm and intentional.

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During the holidays, everything shifts. Feeding times change. Walks happen when we can squeeze them in. There are extra treats, extra people, and a lot less structure. My dog handled it well, but I could tell he missed the rhythm of normal days.

January is when we come back to ourselves. The house is quieter. The mornings are slower. And rebuilding a routine feels less like a task and more like a comfort.

One of the first things I reset was how we do meals. Instead of rushing through them or defaulting to a bowl, I started turning mealtime into something more thoughtful.

Winter limits how much time we spend outside, so mental stimulation becomes just as important as physical exercise. Feeding through enrichment has been one of the easiest ways to bring calm, focus, and structure back into our days.

Lately, I’ve been using Merrick Dry Dog Food inside puzzle feeders and enrichment toys instead of extra treats. The kibble pieces are the perfect size for snuffle mats, puzzle games, and slow feeders, and it feels good knowing I’m using his actual meals for stimulation. It turns feeding time into a moment we both look forward to, not just something to check off the list.

Our days don’t look fancy or perfectly scheduled, but they feel intentional:

• Puzzle feeders in the morning while I make coffee
• Short winter walks paired with indoor enrichment
• Rotating toys so nothing feels boring
• Evenings that end the same way every night

Rebuilding a routine in January isn’t about strict rules or doing everything “right.” It’s about paying attention. Noticing what your dog needs. Creating moments of consistency when everything else feels uncertain. For us, that meant slowing down, being more present, and finding joy in the everyday like turning a simple bowl of food into a game.

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Supplies:

• 14 oz. Glue
• 1 Cup Hot Water
• Food Coloring
• Glitter
• 3 teaspoons Borax
• 2 Cups Hot Water

Directions:

• Put glue in a tub.
• Add in 1 cup of hot water.
• Add in your food coloring and glitter.
• Stir until smooth.

• In a separate container, dissolve 3 teaspoons of Borax in 2 cups of hot water.
• Slowly add the water into the glue mixture and stir together.
• It will goop together almost immediately.

• You may not need all the water, so pour slowly.
• Once it’s mostly gooped up, begin mixing with your hands. (This is the fun part!)

• We started with red and black food coloring, because that’s all I had, and it turned more into pink and purple, which was pretty perfect for Valentine’s Day.
• As you can see, the slime is a HUGE HIT.

My family loved making this slime recipe and I hope your family will too! Have fun getting messy!

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Think of this as your annual healthcare refresh. Nothing complicated, just a few intentional steps to help you feel prepared and covered as the year unfolds.

Military life changes quickly. A new duty station, a growing family, or even a change in work schedules can affect which TRICARE plan works best for you. Taking a moment to confirm which plan you’re enrolled in and whether it still fits your current situation can prevent surprises later in the year. What worked last year may not be the best option now, especially after a move or life transition.

It’s also important to make sure your information in DEERS is accurate and up to date. Address changes, family additions, or status updates all impact your TRICARE coverage. Even small details can cause issues with appointments or claims, so checking this early in the year helps everything run more smoothly.

The beginning of the year is a great time to schedule preventive care. Annual physicals, well-woman or well-man exams, pediatric checkups, dental cleanings, and vision appointments tend to fill up quickly, especially on or near base. Getting these on the calendar now provides flexibility later when schedules shift or PCS plans appear unexpectedly.

If anyone in your household takes regular medications, the new year is a smart time to review prescriptions and pharmacy options. Confirm refill schedules, dosages, and whether on-base pickup or home delivery works best for your lifestyle. This is especially helpful if travel, training cycles, or a move may be coming up.

For families enrolled in TRICARE Prime, referrals are another important piece to review. Referrals have expiration dates, and understanding which ones are active can help avoid delays or unexpected costs when specialty care is needed later.

If a PCS or extended travel is on the horizon, a little healthcare planning now can make a big difference. Gathering medical records, transferring specialty care, and refilling prescriptions ahead of time can ease transitions and reduce stress during already busy seasons.

Mental health deserves just as much attention as physical health. The new year can feel hopeful, but it can also bring pressure and exhaustion. TRICARE offers access to counseling, behavioral health services, and telehealth options, making support easier to reach when you need it.

You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Even completing one healthcare check-in can help the year feel more organized and supported. Taking time to review your TRICARE and healthcare needs now is a simple way to care for yourself and your family as military life continues to move forward.

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Ideas for the Deployed Member:

• Comfort Items:
  • Family/Pet Photos
  • Artwork
  • Letters from home
  • Holiday decorations
• Food:
  • Candy
  • Trail Mix
  • Granola Bars
  • Sunflower Seeds
  • Powdered Drink Mix
• Entertainment:
  • Books
  • Pens/Journal
  • Magazines
  • Puzzle Books
  • Deck of Cards
• Toiletries:
  • Razors
  • Deodorant
  • Scented Lotion
• Miscellaneous Items:
  • Air Fresheners
  • Command Strips
  • Baby Wipes
  • Undergarments
  • Socks

You can also request care packages for your deployed family members from these different organizations:

• USO
• Forgotten Soldiers
• Support Our Troops
• Operation We Care
• Soldiers Angels
• Operation Paperback

If you are overseas and wanting to send a special package to your family back home; consider sending the following items:

• Food:
  • Candy/Snacks unique to the country you are visiting
  • Spices/Seasonings
  • Wine
• Souvenirs:
  • Shot Glasses
  • Magnets
  • Christmas Ornaments
  • Post Cards
  • T-Shirts
  • Blankets

Who doesn’t love receiving something special in the mail? No matter what part of the world you happen to be in, a care package keeps family and friends feeling connected. Military life can be tough, but we love finding ways to make it easier.

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If you don’t have a charcuterie board, no worries, just pull out a cookie sheet and place everything neatly on top. If you don’t have a fireplace, don’t let that stop you. They make tabletop mini fire pits small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. They’re the perfect way to bring the cozy campfire vibes indoors. Take your experience over the top with a cup of Hot Chocolate.

Over the years we’ve gotten creative with our s’mores lineup, from Reese’s peanut butter cups and classic Hershey’s milk chocolate to white chocolate bars and even Lorna Doone shortbread or Biscoff cookies. Sometimes we mix in pretzel sticks for a salty crunch or fresh strawberries for an extra treat.

It’s amazing how something so simple, a few sweet ingredients and some family time, can fill a home with so much warmth. What started as a way to create stability for my kids during my service years has turned into one of our most treasured family rituals. Every melted marshmallow and chocolatey grin reminds me that sometimes the best traditions are the ones that remind us what home truly feels like.

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It is not just about first aid kits and contact lens solution anymore (though yes, those count). There is a whole world of unexpected products your FSA dollars can cover…from travel must-haves to items for your service dog. Your FSA lets you set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck for eligible health-related expenses. The big perk? You do not pay taxes on that money, ZERO, which means you are basically saving up to 30% on stuff you were already going to buy anyway. Here is the kicker: you usually have to use it or lose it by the end of the year. Which is why knowing what you can actually spend it on is key.

So, if you are curious about some of these items I am talking about, then, be ready to look through these lists to help answer…”Wait! That’s FSA eligible?!?!”

Wellness + Self-Care Items:

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+): Whether you’re stationed somewhere tropical or just trying not to fry like a lobster during summer, your SPF habit is totally covered.
• Lip Balm with SPF: Yes, some chapsticks can be FSA-approved.
• Acne Treatments: From spot gels to medicated face washes, all eligible.
• Menstrual Care Products: pads, tampons, cups, liners…ALL qualify now.
• Hot and Cold Therapy Packs: Think heating pads for during that time of the month or cold compresses after a long run.
• Smart Health Products: The Oura Ring tracks sleep, readiness, heart rate variability, temperature and more, and yes, it’s FSA/HSA eligible. 

If you’ve ever had a cross-country PCS and realized halfway through that you forgot something medical, these will be your new go-tos.

Travel and PCS-Friendly Finds:

• Motion Sickness Bands or Meds: Long drives or flights? Covered.
• First Aid Kits: Keep one in your car, your everyday purse or backpack, and your new home.
• Compression Socks: Not just for Grandma…long flights or standing all day at work? Eligible and life-changing. I promise. 
• Eye Masks and Heat compresses: Tired eyes from night shifts or too much screen time? Yep, covered too. 

Here’s something most people don’t know, if you have a service animal, some of their care expenses can be FSA-eligible too.

That Includes:

• Veterinary Care: for your service animal
• Grooming: cleanliness is part of their health and function
• Food: it’s a medical necessity for their work
• Training Expenses: when it’s directly related to maintaining their service skills

You’ll just want documentation showing that your dog is indeed a legit service animal. Emotional support pets don’t qualify, but for trained service dogs, these costs can add up, and your FSA can help offset them.

A Few More Everyday Items that Might Surprise You:

• Kinesiology Tape (KT tape): For muscle support after workouts or injuries.
• Digital Thermometers: Great to have in your travel kit or home cabinet.
• Blood Pressure Monitors: Especially helpful if you’re tracking your health post-service.
• Baby Monitors (with Health Tracking): If it tracks breathing, temperature, or oxygen, it might count! 
• Red Light Therapy Devices: Yep, certain red or infrared light therapy devices can qualify, especially those marketed for muscle recovery, joint pain, or skin treatment. Some plans may ask for a Letter of Medical Necessity, so double-check your FSA rules before you click “add to cart.”
• 24k Acupuncture Ear Seeds: These gems aren’t just for spa days, several brands list them as FSA/HSA eligible for pain, stress relief, and overall wellness.

Places like “Our FSA Footprint” section of our Amazon storefront FSA/HSA section are absolute goldmines. You can literally scroll and see what is eligible and stock up before your funds expire. Plus, there are no awkward checkout moments wondering what counts and what doesn’t. Your local Commissary often carries a lot of FSA-eligible health and wellness essentials like sunscreen, first aid kits, pain relief items, and more. It’s an easy way to grab what you need while you are already running errands.

It is easy to forget about your FSA until that reminder email hits in December. Set a quarterly reminder in your phone to check your balance, that way you can spend a little at a time instead of panic-ordering 12 bottles of sunscreen on December 31st to use all of your funds. And if you have dependents or a spouse, remember: their eligible items count too, like family prescriptions, glasses, thermometers, all fair game.

Once you realize how flexible it actually is, you will start to see it less like a benefit and more like a smart budgeting move. Sign up now for next year while open enrollment is happening (through 12/8/2025), trust me, I regret not signing up! Grab those everyday essentials you didn’t even realize you could save money on, because hey, I’m just saying if Uncle Sam’s giving you a tax break for your sunscreen, dog food, or smart health gear, you might as well take advantage of it.

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This recipe can utilize a whole heap of leftovers such as turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Pair these ingredients with your favorite cheese and some Hawaiian Rolls and you have a new finger food that everyone will love. You can even get fancy by using pretzel buns for your sliders.

Ingredients:

• 1 Pack Hawaiian Sweet Rolls 12 Count
• Turkey Leftovers
• Prepared Stuffing
• 1 Can Cranberry Sauce
• 6 Lg. Slices of Provolone or Swiss
• 1 Stick Butter
• 1 T Mustard
• 1 T Poppy Seeds (optional)
• 1 T Worcestershire Sauce
• ⅛ Cup Brown Sugar

Directions:

1. Cut all the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half and lay in the bottom half in a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Layer the rolls with a layer of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
3. Top with the slices of cheese. 
4. Place the other half of the rolls on top.
5. Run a knife in between all rolls to separate slightly.
6. In a small saucepan, combine butter, mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar and bring to a boil.
7. Spoon the sauce over the rolls. Do NOT pour the sauce on top.
8. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
9. Before baking cover with foil.
10. Preheat oven to 350°F
11. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
12. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes of baking so the tops of rolls brown slightly.
13. Serve & Enjoy!

Don’t toss out all that food you spent so much time cooking, because a little creativity can go a long way. Don’t forget to grab all the ingredients at your local Commissary.

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